Co-curricular News

Up in the Air

On Wednesday 15 June four Lancing pupils went to MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire for an Air Experience Flight.

A key selling point of the RAF branch of CCF is that you can go flying with the Air Force several times per year. Unfortunately, this has not been possible since the start of 2020 because of COVID. As a result this flight was the first opportunity in over two years for cadets to go flying, so there was a great deal of anticipation and excitement.

After arriving at the airfield and passing through rigorous security checks, we were sent to a briefing room where we were instructed what to do in case of an emergency in the plane. Then it was time for the flying, with two pupils going airborne at a time in the Grob Tutor training aircraft. This plane is used by all trainee pilots in the RAF before they move on to more advanced aircraft types. We had the privilege of flying with former fighter jet pilots and it was fascinating to find out just how extreme flying a jet could be.

Each pupil spent about 45 minutes in the air, doing aerobatics such as loops and rolls, and we were able to do some sightseeing as well, given Stonehenge was located extremely close to the base. The pilots even gave us control of the aircraft for much of the flight – maximum focus was always required.

It was an amazing experience, and we are incredibly grateful and appreciative for the time and effort of the RAF. Hopefully many more Lancing cadets will be able to experience this as well in the future.

ALEX BADCOCK Lower Sixth

Scouts enjoy Summer Camp

At the close of the Summer Term the Minerva Scout Unit ventured out on a two-night camp at Gilwell Park in North London.

The camp was buzzing with many exciting activities including a zip wire, Jacob’s Ladder, pedal go-karting and the ‘leap of faith’.

My favourite activity was the Jacob’s Ladder; although it was physically challenging, I thoroughly enjoyed working as a team with Annabel to climb to the top plank of wood. The zip wire was also exciting, the view across London on the ride down was truly spectacular.

Our camp was located on the ‘Essex Chase’ field. We set up a mess tent, camp kitchen and some tents for sleeping in. Making spaghetti bolognaise was a challenge with only two hobs and a blazing fire, but we persevered, and it was delicious!

The Scout HQ is located at the park and it is one of five major scout camp sites in the UK. The site has historical significance, with many monuments and buildings within the complex. We went on a guided trail to find them all and discover the years of scouting history within the park.

Overall, the camp was very enjoyable, and it has taught me many outdoor skills which I will use in the future. AMELIE LYNE Fifth Form

I loved the Jacob’s Ladder activity which was basically a rope ladder where the rungs got further apart each time. It took us a while “

to figure out how to do it, but we got to the top eventually!

Ellie Fisher-Shah, Fifth Form

Overnight Adventure

The Fourth Form Explorer Scouts ventured out on the Summer Term overnight adventure.

The first stage was the navigation challenge, walking from the College to Hillside Scout Camp site in Small Dole. The routes had been planned by the teams themselves along the river Adur then over the Downs. After several hours in what was particularly hot weather the groups arrived at their destination, pitched their tents and collected wood to light the fire. The evening meal was inspired by the survival skills the pupils had learnt over the year and involved filling a foil parcel with a range of food and cooking it on the embers of the fire. After some wide games the Scouts enjoyed some marshmallows cooked over the fire before heading into their tents.

The following morning the Lower Sixth helpers and accompanying teachers prepared a cooked breakfast before the Scouts took part in a range of activities to help build their teamwork and leadership skills. First, they did some pioneering, using the large wooden poles and rope to construct a free-standing tripod strong enough to support the team above the ground. They had practised this over the term on small staves so this was the chance to supersize it! Other activities involved stacking crates, and walking in a coordinated fashion on planks of wood.

When the minibuses finally came to collect the group, the Scouts headed back to the College – tired, probably a bit hot and sunburnt, but pleased with the fun they’d had.

DR RICHARD BUSTIN Scout Leader